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Ontario corn yields increased; U.S. yields lowered

Weaker Canadian dollar, stronger biofuel prices supportive for Ontario corn and soybean markets

Statistics Canada released its second model-based yield and production estimates Sept. 14. Its model evaluated conditions as of Aug. 31 using satellite technology and agroclimatic data. Soybean yields were unchanged from its earlier estimate, while corn yields were raised by over three bu./acre. A marginal upward revision was noted in winter wheat. Quick look: Soybeans: […] Read more

(Scott Bauer photo courtesy ARS/USDA)

Funding set to improve Ontario deadstock removal, disposal

Application intake open as of Sept. 21

Ontario’s livestock producers could see more and improved options for pickup and sustainable disposal of deadstock through a new federal/provincial program now on offer. The Ontario and federal governments on Thursday opened the intake for applications under what they’re calling the Increasing Deadstock Capacity Initiative, budgeted for $1.5 million over two years. The program, to […] Read more

Premier Doug Ford announced the cancellation of the development of 9,400 acres of land that had been proposed for housing in the Greenbelt, a protected area in Ontario.

Ford backtracks on Greenbelt development

9,400 additional acres to remain in Greenbelt after public, agriculture backlash

“It was a mistake to open the Greenbelt.” With that, Premier Doug Ford pledged to reverse the changes to Greenbelt and promised no future changes.  “I made a promise to you I would not touch the Greenbelt. I broke that promise,” he said during the Sept. 21 press conference in Niagara Falls. “And for that, […] Read more

(Sollio Co-operative Group video screengrab via YouTube)

Olymel to consolidate Ontario, Quebec further-processing

Chicken plant at Paris, Ont., and pork plant at Princeville, Que. to close

Pork and poultry packer Olymel is preparing to permanently shut two further-processing facilities and shift their work to other plants in a new round of consolidation. Olymel, the meat packing arm of Quebec’s Sollio Cooperative, announced Wednesday it will permanently close its pork boning and packaging plant at Princeville, Que. effective Nov. 10, and its […] Read more

(Video screengrab from University of Guelph/OAC video via YouTube)

OAC to offer new master’s program in plant agriculture

New program would run alongside research-based degrees

Ontario Agricultural College is seeking approvals to offer a new master’s degree in plant agriculture, which would designate plant science professionals operating at a grad-school level but not on the traditional research-based path. OAC said Wednesday its proposed new “master of plant agriculture” (MPAg) program would allow recent graduates and professionals to “quickly upgrade education […] Read more


File photo of palmer amaranth — the taller yellowish plants — infesting a U.S. cotton field. (Photo courtesy ARS/USDA)

Palmer amaranth pops back up in Ontario

Weed infamous in U.S. for multiple herbicide resistances

A single plant that showed up this summer on the edge of a southwestern Ontario cornfield is cause for concern among Canadian farmers, weed specialists warn. Writing Monday in the ag ministry’s Field Crop News, Ontario provincial weed management specialist Mike Cowbrough said the plant in question, found in Wellington County, is confirmed as palmer […] Read more

People visit crop plots at Discovery Farm Woodstock during Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show. Photo: Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show

Discovery Farm Woodstock joins Pan-Canadian Smart Farm Network

The research site joins its Saskatchewan counterpart on the initiative’s roster

Glacier FarmMedia’s eastern Discovery Farm has joined the locations that share data and research through Old’s College’s Pan-Canadian Smart Farm Network. The 330-acre Ontario site is the host of various demonstration research projects and Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show. It was established as the permanent home for the show in 2020. “The objective is to provide […] Read more

(Viktorcvetkovic/E+/Getty Images)

Activists target Ontario hog farm with ransomware

'We are dealing with adversaries whose motivation is not money'

A ransomware on a small Ontario hog business is something a cybersecurity expert says needs more attention from the agriculture industry. Instead of cash, the attackers demanded the hog business owners publicly admit to what they alleged to be livestock mistreatment. The occurrence was unique and alarming, says Ali Dehghantanha, Canada research chair in cybersecurity […] Read more


(Getty Images)

Ontario extends deadline to lock in RMP coverage

Final date to secure coverage moved to June 30

Grain and oilseed growers and cattle, hog, sheep and veal producers in Ontario now get until June 30 this year to secure coverage under that province’s Risk Management Program (RMP). The province on May 29 announced the deadlines for grain and oilseed producers to submit their completed RMP applications and make any coverage changes — […] Read more

(Scott Bauer photo courtesy ARS/USDA)

Avian flu outbreaks climb in Quebec poultry

Thirteen outbreaks reported in province so far in April

After a relatively quiet March with just one outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in domestic poultry, Quebec has turned up 13 outbreaks so far this month. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency in April has reported detections of high-path avian flu at 13 sites in that province, including: three commercial barns in the regional county […] Read more